Bishop Nazir-Ali

Former Bishop of Rochester Michael Nazir-Ali has criticised a proposed alternative baptism service. This is being piloted in a number of churches before the Church of England decides whether to let it be used more widely. While the church should try to make worship widely accessible, changes that make getting baptised seem less meaningful should be avoided.

In a move which is being interpreted by some as part of a conscious effort to pre-empt decisions about a global Anglican covenant promoted by Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams, the Anglican Church in Tanzania has said it will no longer knowingly accept money from dioceses, parishes, bishops, and individuals that "condone homosexual practice or bless same-sex unions", a statement from its House of Bishops has declared.